Method and a device for removing water from the surface of a roller jacket

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for removing water from a movable roll jacket surface in a wet section of a paper-making machine, which roll jacket surface preferably belongs to a flexible roll jacket in a shoe press, said method comprising the following steps: arranging a spray device next to the roll jacket surface, making available a collecting device which is provided with an opening and collects liquid, moving said roll jacket surface past said spray device, applying a medium onto said roll jacket surface with the aid of said spray device, and collecting liquid in said liquid-collecting device. The invention is characterized in that said medium is sprayed with high kinetic energy onto said roll jacket surface to follow a fluid stream rebounding from the roll jacket surface, so that the liquid is conveyed to said liquid-collecting device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for removing water froma movable roll jacket surface in a wet section of a paper-makingmachine, which roll jacket surface preferably belongs to a flexible rolljacket in a shoe press, said method comprising the following steps:

[0003] arranging a spray device next to the roll jacket surface,

[0004] setting up a collecting device which is provided with an openingand collects liquid,

[0005] moving said roll jacket surface past said spray device,

[0006] applying a medium onto said roll jacket surface with the aid ofsaid spray device, and

[0007] collecting liquid in said liquid-collecting device orliquid-receiving device.

[0008] 2. Description of Related Art

[0009] In a wet section of a paper-making machine, large quantities ofwater have to be removed from the fiber web. This is done with, interalia, the aid of pairs of rolls which form a nip for pressing/suckingwater out of the fiber web. A certain amount of water remains behind onthe roll jacket surface after the nip. In many situations it isdesirable to remove at least the majority of the remaining water beforethat part of the roll jacket surface passes through the nip again.

[0010] It is already known, for example from U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,209 andU.S. Pat. No. 5,810,974, to set up spray devices which can clean (and/orcool) a roll jacket surface. However, this known technique does not dealwith the problem of how to remove water from the roll jacket surface.

[0011] A press device in a wet section is already known from EP 771,903,where the roll jacket surface of one of the roll pairs is sprayed withwater, after which a special scraping device (called a doctor blade)removes water from the roll jacket surface. DE 19860735 shows that it isalso already known to arrange a scraping device/doctor blade solely forthe purpose of removing water, i.e. without first spraying the rolljacket surface. Similar cleaning and dewatering devices are also alreadyknown from U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,782, DE 19841637, DE 19860735 and DE19810800.

[0012] However, it is not always desirable to use a scraping memberwhich is in direct contact with the roll jacket surface. In the case ofa shoe press roll, where a flexible roll jacket is used, it may beparticularly undesirable because the flexible roll jacket is oftenrelatively sensitive and expensive.

[0013] There is a risk that such a scraping member may destroy theflexible roll jacket or at least accelerate its wear, in the same waythat it can also cause damage on another type of roll surface.

[0014] A further disadvantage of known dewatering devices according tothe above is that they have a very limited effect if the roll jacketsurface from which water is to be removed is patterned, i.e. providedwith grooves, for example of the type described in U.S. Pat. No.4,559,258.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or at leastminimize the above-mentioned problems, and this is done by a methodaccording to the above which is characterized in that a liquid medium issprayed with high kinetic energy onto said roll jacket surface, in thatthe high-kinetic fluid thus forces liquid present on the roll jacketsurface to follow a fluid stream rebounding from the roll jacketsurface, so that the liquid is conveyed to said liquid-collectingdevice.

[0016] By virtue of the solution according to the invention, a method isobtained which eliminates or at least minimizes the risk of the rolljacket surface, from which water is to be removed, becoming damaged orworn, since there is no direct physical contact between the roll jacketsurface and the dewatering device. In addition, the dewatering andcleaning (if required) are combined in one and the same step. A furtherimportant advantage is that it has a good dewatering effect (or cleaningeffect) irrespective of whether the roll jacket surface is smooth orpatterned.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, said medium iswater.

[0018] By using water as the medium, high kinetic energy is obtained ina favorable manner in the stream of medium used for removing water fromthe roll jacket surface. Tests have shown that a surprisingly goodeffect can be obtained using this medium.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, said medium issprayed onto the roll jacket surface at a certain spray angle (α) inrelation to the normal (N) o£ the roll jacket surface, so that anoriented and rebounding fluid stream is created, where α is between 5and 85° and is a function of the speed (ν) of the roll jacket surface,the spray angle (α) increasing as the speed increases. By virtue ofusing an acute angle in relation to the roll jacket surface whenapplying the medium, it is possible to obtain a controlled rebound ofthe water which is removed from the roll jacket surface.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, theliquid-collecting device is provided with a lip element which ispositioned in the rebounding fluid stream in order to convey the liquidonwards towards the liquid-collecting device. By virtue of thearrangement of a lip element, the rebounding stream of medium can becollected in a simple and flexible manner and conveyed to the collectingdevice.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, said roll jacketsurface has irregularities in the form of grooves or cavities in whichliquid can gather. By virtue of the invention, it has been found that itis also possible to remove water from patterned roll jacket surfaces inan extremely effective way, something which could not be donesatisfactorily by previously known methods, especially not without therisk of damage or undesired wear.

[0022] The invention also relates to a device having the same featuresand advantages as the method. This, along with further advantages of theinvention, is set out in the description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference tothe attached figures, of which:

[0024]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a shoe press with a device forremoving water according to the invention,

[0025]FIG. 2 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of a device forremoving water according to the invention,

[0026]FIG. 3 shows a front view of the device according to FIG. 2, and

[0027]FIG. 4 shows a preferred principle for how sprays according to theinvention are directed towards a roll jacket surface.

[0028]FIG. 5 shows a shoe press device included in a press section inwhich the device and the method according to the invention are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a shoe press roll S whichis included in a paper-making machine and which cooperates with acounter roll M so that an extended nip for a fiber web W and press feltP is formed between them. A flexible roll jacket 1 is arranged in aknown manner so that it encloses the shoe press roll S. A device forremoving water according to the invention, with a spray device 2 and aliquid-collecting container 21, is arranged to remove water from theflexible roll jacket 1.

[0030]FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a device forremoving water according to the invention. It will be seen that thedevice for removing water is arranged close to the roll jacket surface1A of a flexible roll jacket 1 which moves upwards at a defined speed(ν) past the device for removing water. The liquid-collecting device orliquid-receiving device 21 comprises an elongate container 22 (see alsoFIG. 3) with an axially elongate opening 24 directed towards the rolljacket surface 1A. The opening 24 thus extends parallel to the axialextent of the shoe press roll S around which the flexible, roll jacket 1rotates. With the aid of clamp connections 18A, 18B, the collectingcontainer 22 is adjustably mounted on a circular support part 20 whichin turn is connected securely to a support 17 which is fixed in relationto the paper-making machine. With the aid of screw connections 19, theclamp connections 18A, 18B can be released/secured in order to obtainthe desired positioning of the container 22 in relation to the supportpart 17, 20.

[0031] On top of the container 22 there are bracket elements 16 on whicha first adjustable fastening device 8 for the spray device 2 isarranged. This first fastening device 8 makes it possible, on the onehand, to adjust the angle β and on the other hand to adjust the distancebetween the spray device 2 and the roll jacket surface 1A. In order tochange the angle β, there is a clamp connection 13A, 13B which is fixedon said bracket 16. This clamp connection 13 A, 13B cooperates with asleeve 15 which can be locked at a certain angular position inside theclamp connection by means of screw connection 14. Welded onto saidsleeve 15 there is an outer pipe-shaped part 10 which cooperates in atelescopic manner with a rod 9. With the aid of a locking screw 11, therod 9 can be locked in different positions, i.e. displaced to differentpositions inside the outer pipe-shaped part 10. A plate 7 is arranged atone end of the rod 9. This plate 7 constitutes a rear support for aspray pipe 3. The spray pipe 3 is clamped securely against the supportplate 7 with the aid of a conventional pipe clamp 6 which is locked onthe plate 7 with the aid of nuts 6A, 6B. Arranged on the spray pipe 3there are a number of spray nozzles 4 which each have a mouth 4Adirected towards the roll jacket surface 1A.

[0032] Arranged near the lower edge of the opening 24 of the collectingcontainer 22 there is a lip element 26 which projects in the directiontowards the roll jacket surface 1A. With the aid of a screw connection27, the lip element 26 is mounted adjustably on the container 22 so thatthe gap between the roll jacket surface 1A and the front edge of the lipcan be adjusted. At the upper edge of the opening too, and secured bymeans of a screw connection 29, there is an adjustable lip-like device28. The purpose of this last-mentioned device is to vary the size of theopening 24 in order to be able to obtain approximately the same vacuum,which is thus produced by varying the opening vertically along thecontainer. The container 22 is connected at one end to an outlet 23 (seeFIG. 3) connected to an outlet which is under vacuum or communicateswith a vacuum source so that liquid can be actively sucked in throughthe opening 24 of the container 22. By means of the fact that the sizeof the opening can be varied along the container, an identical vacuumcan be obtained along the container opening 24.

[0033]FIG. 3 shows the device according to the invention in a frontview, i.e. seen from the direction where the roll jacket surface 1A isplaced. Most of the details shown in FIG. 3 are already clear from FIG.2 and from the above description. However, FIG. 3 shows that the spraypipe 3 is elongate and that a large number of spray nozzles 4 arearranged alongside each other along the spray pipe 3. It will also beseen that each spray nozzle 4 has a mouth 4A, which in one directionemits a diverging jet (see FIG. 4). It will also be seen that the outlet23 is arranged at one end of the collecting device 21, which is thereason for the arrangement of an adjustable upper lip 28, so that thedistance between the lower edge of this lip 28 and the lower surface 26of the mouth 24 can be varied in the vertical direction along thecontainer. In this way, an identical vacuum can be obtained along thewhole mouth 24.

[0034]FIG. 4 shows that the configuration of the mouth 4A is such thatthe spray jets follow a diverging pattern, by which means they aresprayed along a line L3. The mouth 4A of each spray nozzle 4 is set insuch a way that this spray line L3 is at an acute angle in relation tothe centre line C of the spray pipe 3. In this way, an overlapping ofthe spray jets on the roll jacket surface 1A is obtained, without twoadjacent spray jets being able to interfere with one another.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, a shoe press roll S is shown witha shoe which is enclosed by a flexible rotatable roll jacket, which rolljacket has a roll jacket surface 1A. Together with a counter roll M, theshoe press roll S forms a shoe press unit with an extended nip. A pressfelt P forms a loop around the shoe press roll S, so that the shoe pressroll S is located within the felt loop. A spray device 2 is arrangedinside the felt loop and close to the roll jacket surface 1A, whichspray device is directed towards the roll jacket surface 1A in order tobe able to spray a medium onto the roll jacket surface 1A.

[0036] Before the device for removing water is started up, the variouscomponents involved are adjusted so as to obtain optimum positions andangles. This is preferably done by first adjusting the angle of thewhole dewatering device with the aid of clamp connections 18A, 18Baround the support part 20. As is shown in the figure, it is preferablyadjusted in such a way that the lip device 26 is arranged substantiallyhorizontally. Alternatively, it can be given a certain rearwardinclination in order to increase the removal capacity with the aid ofgravity. Thereafter, the lip device 26 can be moved so that an optimumgap is formed between the roll jacket surface 1A and the front edge ofthe lip element 26. This is preferably followed by adjusting the angle αat which the spray is directed towards the roll jacket surface 1A inrelation to the normal N of the roll jacket surface. This angle α mustbe such that the medium which is conveyed with the aid of the sprayremoves as much liquid as possible from the roll jacket surface 1A andso that the rebounding fluid stream with liquid L2 impacts the lipelement 26 in the desired manner. It will be appreciated that this angleα must be able to be adapted because different liquids can havedifferent optimum angles of incidence. In the same way, the nature ofthe roll jacket surface 1A is also of course important as regards theoptimum angle of incidence α, especially if, as in the preferred case,it is a question of removing water from a patterned roll jacket surface1A.

[0037] The angle of incidence α can be adjusted with the aid of theupper clamp connection 13A, 13B by locking the sleeve 15 in the desiredangle position β. Preferably however, or as a complement to this, thedirection L1 of the spray mouth 4A in relation to the support plate 7 isalso adjusted by locking the spray pipe 3 in a different angle positionby means of the pipe clamp 6. This is preferably followed by adjustingthe distance between the spray mouth 4A and the roll jacket surface 1Aby locking the rod 9 in the desired position with the locking screw 11,so that the optimum spray distance is obtained. The distance that isoptimum will to a large extent depend on how the spray mouths 4 dispensethe medium onto the roll jacket surface 1A. Finally, the height of themouth gap is adapted to the prevailing vacuum by setting the upperlip-shaped element 26 to a suitable position.

[0038] The device for removing water functions in such a way that amedium, for example water, is sprayed via the nozzles 4 at a certainangle of incidence α and at high pressure onto the roll jacket surface1A, the medium being given a component of movement which is directedcounter to the movement of the roll jacket surface 1A. The liquid,usually water, present on the roll jacket surface 1A will then combinewith the water which is being conveyed at high kinetic energy, afterwhich they jointly rebound from the flexible roll jacket surface towardsthe lip element 26. From the lip element 26, the water is conveyedtowards the mouth 24 of the container device 22 by means of the latterbeing under vacuum. The water is then led off from the container via itsoutlet 23. The arrangement thus permits rapid and effective removal ofwater from the roll jacket surface 1A, and at the same time, ifnecessary, cleaning thereof. The method is particularly effective inconnection with patterned roll jacket surfaces which cannot always bedewatered (or cleaned) sufficiently well by current methods. Inaddition, the method has the great advantage that there does not need tobe any direct physical contact between the roll jacket surface and thedevice for removing water, which fact minimizes the risks of wear andrisks of damage which exist when a flexible roll jacket is in directcontact with any device. Given that these flexible roll jackets areexpensive, this is a not inconsiderable advantage.

[0039] By means of the device according to the invention, a presssection is also obtained which includes the device according to theinvention.

[0040] The invention is not limited by what has been described above,and instead it can be varied within the scope of the attached patentclaims. It will be appreciated that, among other things, the lip element26 can advantageously be made of a resilient/flexible material which, insome applications, can advantageously be arranged in direct contact withthe roll jacket surface 1A.

That which is claimed:
 1. A method of removing water from a surface of aflexible rotatable roll jacket of a shoe press roll in a shoe press unitin a wet section of a paper-making machine, the shoe press unitincluding a counter roll cooperating with the shoe press roll to form anextended press nip for pressing water from a wet fiber web transportedtherethrough by a press felt forming a loop about the shoe press roll,the shoe press roll rotating in a direction of travel so as to advancethe press felt and the wet fiber web through the extended press nip,said method comprising: directing a spray of a liquid medium from aspray device, disposed within the loop and adjacent to the shoe pressroll, toward the roll jacket surface and at least partially against thedirection of travel of the shoe press roll, the spray being configuredsuch that the liquid medium contacts the roll jacket surface, collectsany water pressed from the wet fiber web remaining on the roll jacketsurface, and then rebounds from the roll jacket surface; and collectingthe rebounded liquid medium and water from the roll jacket surface witha liquid-receiving device operably engaged with the spray device.
 2. Amethod according to claim 1 wherein directing a spray further comprisesdirecting a spray toward the roll jacket surface, at least partiallyagainst the direction of travel of the shoe press roll, at an angle ofbetween about 5 degrees and about 85 degrees with respect to a normal ofthe roll jacket surface.
 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein theshoe press roll is rotated at a rotational speed and wherein directing aspray further comprises directing a spray toward the roll jacket surfaceat an angle, with respect to a normal of the roll jacket surface and atleast partially against the direction of travel of the shoe press roll,the angle corresponding to the rotational speed.
 4. A method accordingto claim 3 wherein directing a spray further comprises increasing theangle of the spray as the rotational speed increases.
 5. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the liquid medium and the water from theroll jacket surface rebound from the roll jacket surface in a directioncorresponding to an angle at which the spray is directed toward the rolljacket and the method further comprises redirecting the rebounded liquidmedium and water to the liquid-receiving device with a lip elementoperably engaged therewith and extending to within a distance of theroll jacket surface.
 6. A method according to claim 5 further comprisingadjusting the distance from the lip element to the roll jacket surface.7. A method according to claim 1 wherein directing a spray furthercomprises rotating a pipe having at least one spray nozzle fixedthereto, the pipe and the at least one spray nozzle comprising the spraydevice, so as to direct the spray toward the roll jacket surface.
 8. Amethod according to claim 1 wherein the liquid-receiving device isconfigured to collect the rebounded liquid medium and water from theroll jacket surface through an opening defined thereby and the methodfurther comprises establishing a pressure within the liquid-receivingdevice and inside the opening lower than a pressure external to theliquid-receiving device and outside the opening so as to provide asuction for collect the rebounded liquid medium and water.
 9. A methodaccording to claim 8 further comprising varying a dimension of theopening
 10. A method according to claim 1 wherein directing a sprayfurther comprises directing a spray of water from the spray devicetoward the roll jacket surface.
 11. A method according to claim 1wherein directing a spray further comprises directing the liquid mediuminto an elongate pipe, defining a longitudinal axis and arrangedsubstantially parallel to the shoe press roll, and through a pluralityof spray nozzles arranged longitudinally along the pipe toward the rolljacket surface.
 12. A method according to claim 11 wherein each spraynozzle defines a mouth configured to produce a spray oriented along ajet line and directing the medium further comprises directing the mediumthrough the plurality of spray nozzles, each arranged such that the jetline thereof is disposed at an acute angle with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the pipe, toward the roll jacket surface.
 13. Amethod according to claim 11 wherein each spray nozzle defines a mouthconfigured to produce a spray oriented along a jet line and directingthe medium further comprises directing the medium through the pluralityof spray nozzles, each arranged such that the jet line thereof isdisposed at an angle of between about 3 degrees and about 30 degreeswith respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, toward the rolljacket surface.
 14. A device adapted to remove water from a surface of aflexible rotatable roll jacket of a shoe press roll in a shoe press unitin a wet section of a paper-making machine, the shoe press unitincluding a counter roll cooperating with the shoe press roll to form anextended press nip for pressing water from a wet fiber web transportedtherethrough by a press felt forming a loop about the shoe press roll,the shoe press roll rotating in a direction of travel so as to advancethe press felt and the wet fiber web through the extended press nip,said device comprising: a spray device disposed within the loop andadjacent to the shoe press roll, the spray device being configured todirect a spray of a liquid medium toward the roll jacket surface and atleast partially against the direction of travel of the shoe press roll,the spray being configured such that the liquid medium contacts the rolljacket surface, collects any water pressed from the wet fiber webremaining on the roll jacket surface, and then rebounds from the rolljacket surface; and a liquid-receiving device operably engaged with thespray device and configured to collect the rebounded liquid medium andwater from the roll jacket surface.
 15. A device according to claim 14wherein the spray device is further configured to direct the spraytoward the roll jacket surface, at least partially against the directionof travel of the shoe press roll, at an angle of between about 5 degreesand about 85 degrees with respect to a normal of the roll jacketsurface.
 16. A device according to claim 14 wherein the shoe press rollis rotated at a rotational speed and wherein the spray device is furtherconfigured to direct the spray toward the roll jacket surface at anangle, with respect to a normal of the roll jacket surface and at leastpartially against the direction of travel of the shoe press roll,corresponding to the rotational speed, the angle of the spray increasingas the rotational speed increases.
 17. A device according to claim 14wherein the liquid medium and the water from the roll jacket surfacerebound from the roll jacket surface in a direction corresponding to anangle at which the spray is directed toward the roll jacket and thedevice further comprises a lip element operably engaged with theliquid-receiving device and extending to within a distance of the rolljacket surface, the lip element being configured to redirect therebounded liquid medium and water to the liquid-receiving device.
 18. Adevice according to claim 17 wherein the lip element is movable withrespect to the liquid-receiving device such that the distance from thelip element to the roll jacket surface is adjustable.
 19. A deviceaccording to claim 14 wherein the spray device further comprises a pipehaving at least one spray nozzle fixed thereto, the pipe being rotatableso as to move the at least one spray nozzle to direct the spray towardthe roll jacket surface.
 20. A device according to claim 14 wherein theliquid-receiving device is configured to collect the rebounded liquidmedium and water from the roll jacket surface through an opening definedthereby, the opening extending longitudinally in opposing relation tothe roll jacket surface.
 21. A device according to claim 20 wherein theliquid-receiving device further comprises a container operably engagedwith the opening, the container having a suction applied thereto throughan outlet, whereby the applied suction extends through the opening forcollecting the rebounded liquid medium and water.
 22. A device accordingto claim 20 wherein the opening of the liquid-receiving device isconfigured such that a dimension of the opening is capable of beingvaried.
 23. A device according to claim 14 wherein the liquid mediumfurther comprises water.
 24. A device according to claim 14 wherein thespray device further comprises an elongate pipe, defining a longitudinalaxis and arranged substantially parallel to the shoe press roll, and aplurality of spray nozzles arranged longitudinally along the pipe, theliquid medium being received by the pipe and discharged toward the rolljacket surface through the spray nozzles.
 25. A device according toclaim 24 wherein each spray nozzle defines a mouth configured to producea spray oriented along a jet line and each spray nozzle is arranged suchthat the jet line thereof is disposed at an angle of between about 3degrees and about 30 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe pipe.
 26. A press section of a paper-making machine, comprising: ashoe press unit including a shoe press roll having a flexible rotatableroll jacket and a counter roll cooperating with the shoe press roll toform an extended press nip adapted to press water from a wet fiber webtransported therethrough by a press felt forming a loop about the shoepress roll, the shoe press roll rotating in a direction of travel so asto advance the press felt and the wet fiber web through the extendedpress nip; and a device disposed within the loop and adapted to removewater from a surface of the roll jacket, the device comprising: a spraydevice dispose adjacent to the shoe press roll, the spray device beingconfigured to direct a spray of a liquid medium toward the roll jacketsurface and at least partially against the direction of travel of theshoe press roll, the spray being configured such that the liquid mediumcontacts the roll jacket surface, collects any water pressed from thewet fiber web remaining on the roll jacket surface, and then reboundsfrom the roll jacket surface; and a liquid-receiving device operablyengaged with the spray device and configured to collect the reboundedliquid medium and water from the roll jacket surface.
 27. A presssection according to claim 26 wherein the spray device is furtherconfigured to direct the spray toward the roll jacket surface, at leastpartially against the direction of travel of the shoe press roll, at anangle of between about 5 degrees and about 85 degrees with respect to anormal of the roll jacket surface.
 28. A press section according toclaim 26 wherein the shoe press roll is rotated at a rotational speedand wherein the spray device is further configured to direct the spraytoward the roll jacket surface at an angle, with respect to a normal ofthe roll jacket surface and at least partially against the direction oftravel of the shoe press roll, corresponding to the rotational speed,the angle of the spray increasing as the rotational speed increases. 29.A press section according to claim 26 wherein the liquid medium and thewater from the roll jacket surface rebound from the roll jacket surfacein a direction corresponding to an angle at which the spray is directedtoward the roll jacket and the device further comprises a lip elementoperably engaged with the liquid-receiving device and extending towithin a distance of the roll jacket surface, the lip element beingconfigured to redirect the rebounded liquid medium and water to theliquid-receiving device.
 30. A press section according to claim 29wherein the lip element is movable with respect to the liquid-receivingdevice such that the distance from the lip element to the roll jacketsurface is adjustable.
 31. A press section according to claim 26 whereinthe spray device further comprises a pipe having at least one spraynozzle fixed thereto, the pipe being rotatable so as to move the atleast one spray nozzle to direct the spray toward the roll jacketsurface.
 32. A press section according to claim 26 wherein theliquid-receiving device is configured to collect the rebounded liquidmedium and water from the roll jacket surface through an opening definedthereby, the opening extending longitudinally in opposing relation tothe roll jacket surface.
 33. A press section according to claim 32wherein the liquid-receiving device further comprises a containeroperably engaged with the opening, the container having a suctionapplied thereto through an outlet, whereby the applied suction extendsthrough the opening for collecting the rebounded liquid medium andwater.
 34. A press section according to claim 32 wherein the opening ofthe liquid-receiving device is configured such that a dimension of theopening is capable of being varied.
 35. A press section according toclaim 26 wherein the liquid medium further comprises water.
 36. A presssection according to claim 26 wherein the spray device further comprisesan elongate pipe, defining a longitudinal axis and arrangedsubstantially parallel to the shoe press roll, and a plurality of spraynozzles arranged longitudinally along the pipe, the liquid medium beingreceived by the pipe and discharged toward the roll jacket surfacethrough the spray nozzles.
 37. A press section according to claim 36wherein each spray nozzle defines a mouth configured to produce a sprayoriented along a jet line and each spray nozzle is arranged such thatthe jet line thereof is disposed at an angle of between about 3 degreesand about 30 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipe.